Slow Cooker Apple Pork Loin {with Honey & Cinnamon, too!}

You've heard of cinnamon and apples. And honey with cinnamon. Right? But cinnamon and pork? Not so much. No, cinnamon and pork isn't a standard flavor combination that pops in your head. But as I recently discovered, pork and cinnamon are really yummy together. Especially ...

... when you put pork and cinnamon and honey and apples all together.

In a slow cooker.

And add some onions, too.

Are you intrigued like I was? Oh, I think you should be! Because this slow cooker combination delivers up one tasty and satisfying meal that's just perfect for Fall.

Start with a boneless pork loin ... about 2 or 3 pounds ... and cut some slits all across the top, about an inch deep and about an inch apart. Those slits are going to hold a yummy drizzle of honey ... and apple slices. You know, because they can.

Next, season the pork loin with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. All over. And inside the slits. It's super tasty that way.

Brown the pork loin on the stove top {this step is optional, but I think it adds depth of flavor and gives good color} ...

... then place it in the slow cooker, drizzle it with honey, and stuff apple slices in the slits. Looks good already, doesn't it?

Add some more apples, some onions, and some more cinnamon to the pot ...

... and then leave it be! For six hours.

Aren't slow cookers great like that? I mean seriously, walk away for hours ... and hours ... and hours ...

And when you come back, you've got deliciousness. Like this.

It's a beautiful thing.

Oh, and guess what ... cinnamon and onions are really good together, too!

Cut slits, about 1/2 to 1 inch deep, across the top of the pork loin. Sprinkle all sides and inside the slits with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon. OPTIONAL: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place pork loin in the Dutch oven and brown on all sides. (Browning is an optional step. I brown my loin prior to putting it in the slow cooker to give color and more depth of flavor. But this step can be skipped.)

Scatter a few apple slices in the bottom of the slow cooker; pour in apple cider (or other chosen liquid). Place pork loin on top of apples. Drizzle honey into each slit and all over the top of the loin; place an apple slice in each slit. Fit remaining apple slices and onions around and on top of pork loin. Sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

Cook on low setting for 6 hours.

NOTE: If your crockpot/slow cooker is like mine, you may need to get creative to fit the pork loin in it. I usually have to cut the end off and place it in along the side. Hey, whatever works, right?

Enjoy!

Enjoy these other scrumptious pork creations from The Kitchen is My Playground ...

I just made this, and with delicious results! I cooked it on high and then reset to low and left it in longer than expected... lets just say Pork doesn't need overcooking. Still delicious!!! Entire house smelled like I was baking! Paired this dish with kale today for a scrumptious lunch!

OMG!!! THIS WAS DELICIOUS!!! I had only a 1 1/2 lb boneless pork sirloin roast, cooked it with about 1/2 cup of apple juice instead of 1/4 cup as I like more "gravy", and cooked it for 4 hours on low. Came home from work and so tender and juicy! Neighbor asked what I had been cooking all day, as I live in an apartment and she could smell it, which she said tasted as good as it had smelled! Try it! It is super easy and SO GOOD!!!

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About Me

Hi! I'm Tracey, & I'm having fun with home cooking, one recipe at a time! A former businesswoman & 1st-grade teacher turned full-time food blogger & Mom, I love my latest career best. Join in the fun as I share tried-&-true recipes for the everyday home cook.